Making a Splash

Model Dana Cerreta, photographed by Eddie Donlin of StudioD

Let’s face it.   Swimsuit season is here, whether we like it or not.  If you’re anything like me, and occasionally skip the gym for a double dip of peanut butter ripple, every little tip helps when searching for that perfect summer swimsuit.  There are quite a few factors to take into count when shopping for this sassy little number, so I’m going to break it down as painlessly as possible (if there is such a thing).

photo courtesy ofwww.ulta.com

Get your bronze on.  It’s almost impossible to look even remotely attractive in any swimsuit with translucent skin.  While I don’t recommend baking yourself with UV rays, I do suggest using a product with a self tanner in it to create a killer faux glow before your bikini shopping excursion.  There are a few great salons and spas in the area that offer spray tans, and even some mobile airbrush tanning services!  If you’re more of a do-it-yourself gal, try one of the many drug store or department store remedies.  They make everything from wipes and sprays, to gels and lotions.  I’ve tried a slew of them, and my favorite cheapie is L’Oreal Sublime Glow.  It’s inexpensive, gives a gradual tan over the course of a few days, and leaves a sweet shimmer behind. 

Shop for your shape.  Get familiar with thy body shape.  Figure out which type you are by comparing your figure to the definitions below.  This will become very helpful in determining the color, cut, and coverage of your suit!

Fruit Body Types.  Image courtesy of http://marcmaker.blogspot.com/

Pear:  Basically you’re a “hippy” gal, meaning your hip measurement is greater than your bust measurement.  Consider wearing a print on top in a fun bandeau style top, and a solid on the bottom to balance your shape.  A high waist bottom will create a slim waist and cover your bum in one shot.  Plus they are super trendy right now.  This can be done with a two piece or a tankini.  If one-pieces are more your speed, think about buying a color-blocked suit that has a brighter color on top, and a dark color on the bottom, to draw attention away from your hips! 

Apple: The Opposite of a pear shape, an apple usually has broader shoulders, a larger bust, and a rounder midsection.  Some apples have narrow hips and slim legs!  To hide a tummy, choosing a swimsuit with rouching around the midsection will do wonders.  Another solution is to choose a one piece with a blousy top.  If you would rather a two piece, try a tankini top in a solid color over a bottom that hits at your natural waist, creating a smooth waist line. 

Banana:  If you commonly get mistaken for a 12 year old boy like me, you are probably a banana, meaning you’re straight up and down with almost no curves whatsoever.  You may have an athletic build. You’ll look the best in a suit with a bright or printed top with an underwire or molded cup to enhance your bust line, and a bold bottom with high cut legs to create the illusion of some hips.

Hourglass:  Sometimes considered the ideal body type, this shape has almost equal hip and bust measurements with a smaller, defined waistline.  Lucky you, while the rest of us are trying to look like you in our swimsuits, you’re already out sunbathing.  Choose a supportive top such as a halter and a scoop bottom in a matching hue.  If you want to accentuate your curves, go bold or printed.  To downplay them, stick to a dark solid.

image courtesy of
http://pzrservices.typepad.com/vintageadvertising/

Think Lingerie.  What do you wear on a daily basis that you wouldn’t be caught dead without?  If you must wear an underwire, or really need a full coverage cup, why would shopping for a swimsuit be any different?  If you know what works and what looks good on you in the bra department, look for similar styles when shopping swimwear. 

When it comes down to it, nothing helps more when it comes to shopping for swimsuit season is feeling confident in your own skin.  We can’t change the shapes we were born with no matter how many kickboxing classes we attend, but at least there are ways to shop around our shapes!  Now it’s time to hit the beach!